Tobacco tax increase clears legal hurdle

If supporters of a proposal to raise taxes on tobacco products gathered enough signatures on their initiative petitions, Missourians will see that issue on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

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Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green this week rejected a citizen’s lawsuit claims that Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s ballot language was insufficient and unfair for voters.

As approved by Carnahan — and, now, by Green — the ballot summary voters will see in November reads: “Shall Missouri law be amended to:

create the Health and Education Trust Fund with proceeds of a tax of $0.0365 per cigarette and 25% of the manufacturer’s invoice price for roll-your-own tobacco and 15% for other tobacco products;